The Racha

The Racha is designed to blend in with the natural beauty found on the island of Racha Yai. Several low-rise and white-washed buildings with clean lines are scattered throughout the smaller property on garden grounds -- though the grass looks brown and patchy in some areas, views of the Andaman Sea, palm trees, and flowering bushes are prevalent. The lobby is in an open-air pavilion with a wood-beam domed roof. Smart wicker furniture and brown reception and concierge desks fill the space. A wooden deck faces the beach and has brown wicker chairs for lounging and admiring the views. Woven hammocks hang between palm trees. Though kiddos are welcome at this laid-back yet refined spot, most of the visitors are couples on a romantic holiday and there isn't a kids' club or children's pool.

The Racha has a mostly peaceful and semi-remote location on the public beach of Batok on Racha Yai island. The island is ideal for beach worshippers and snorkelers, as the water clarity and beach cleanliness is much better than what's found around Phuket. There's a walkable network of dirt paths that connects various beaches around the island, all reachable in around 10 minutes. There are a few other resorts and bungalows around the island, and a small village in the island's center with a handful of restaurants and a general store that sells toiletries and snacks. Much of the economy here is based on water activities and tourists. Speedboats are the best way to reach Racha Yai; expect a 25- to 35-minute crossing depending on the weather. 

There are 85 villas, 21 of which are suites, and one of which is a five-story, two-bedroom Lighthouse with 360 degree views of the island. All of the room options are spacious and feel private, with furnished outdoor spaces and teak furniture. The overall look and feel is minimalist. The Grand Deluxe is a one-room option with stark white walls and a comfy bed placed in the center of the room. A partial wall behind the bed hides the desk and closet spaces. There's a built-in couch and technology includes a flat-screen TV, Bose radio, and free Wi-Fi. Double doors lead out to the private terrace that's set with a teak table and chairs and a second built-in couch. The indoor bathroom contains a soaking bathtub with a window that overlooks an outdoor shower. His and hers sinks and a private water closet are nice touches. Creature comforts in each include a stocked minibar, an electronic safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and luxe toiletries. Upgrade to a Spa Pool Suite for a living room space and beautiful plunge pool. Some villas have better ocean views than others. Past guests have occasionally complained about minimal wear and tear in the villas. 

The features at The Racha cater to adults who enjoy sun, swimming, and outdoor activities. Two outdoor swimming pools mean that crowding isn't usually a problem and there are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas to go around. The pool overlooking the beach is rectangular-shaped and faces the beach with a row of palm trees and "floating" pots planted with trees for tropical ambiance. Underwater music is piped into the pool. The freeform garden pool is more secluded and accented with a waterfall feature and submerged benches.Anumba Spa looks and feels tranquil with decorated reflection pools and a statue of a Buddhist face. Private treatment villas have the same clean lines and whitewashed walls found throughout the rest of the property. Massages and facials are popular services. Those who want more activity than lying around the spa will appreciate ATVs, a modern fitness center with cardio machines and weights, tennis courts, and free bikes to borrow.Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. 

Restaurants and bars at The Racha get high marks for quality and diversity, but are pricey overall. There is a free breakfast buffet every morning, which includes Asian and international fare. Earth Cafe serves breakfast and dinner both indoors and out. Fire Grill is the spot for pizza, pasta, and salads by the pool. Sunset Beach is wildly popular for evening BBQs and Thai Food at lunchtime; it's a casual yet elegant spot on the sand. Ice Bar provides a much needed spot for cocktails and a live DJ in the evenings;there isn't much late night entertainment on the island otherwise. Room service is available with limited hours and private beachfront dining can be arranged for a romantic date.

Though the gorgeous beach at The Racha is one of the main reasons many guests feel the 30-minute boat ride from Phuket is worth the trip, they're often dismayed to learn that Batok Beach is super popular with boats of day trippers. The white sand and warm blue waters can swell with hundreds of tourists who are on the island to swim, snorkel, and picnic. Past guests have complained that the visitors leave garbage and bring noise, though the staff does clean the beach each day. There are several other beaches within walking distance of the resort, but during peak hours these can be popular as well.